The Clearwater City Council stamped out a plan Monday for a concrete playground resembling a giant sand castle on Clearwater Beach, saying beach residents and businesses didn't want it.

At the council's work session, members scuttled the play structure proposed near Pier 60. It had been touted as a tourist-drawing landmark that would help cement the beach's reputation as best in the country.

Last week, the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Clearwater Beach Association announced their opposition, saying the $440,000 slated for the project would be better spent on additional parking and extended hours for the beach library and recreation center.

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